L4 is defined as a state where the car can operate without human input or oversight but only under specific select conditions. By the end of 2020, the two companies will have a fleet of prototype vehicles with L4 autonomous driving capabilities ready for testing, in preparation for L4-ready mass production and delivery.

Sensor integration for autonomous driving is front and centre within the K-Byte Concept’s design aesthetic. The bow-shaped, roof-mounted BYTON LiBow system integrates front and rear lidar sensors to allow for a full-view panoramic scan of the vehicle’s surroundings.

BYTON’s retractable LiGuards side lidar system is located below the side-view cameras. The system will deploy in autonomous driving mode to ensure driving safety and retract automatically during parking manoeuvres; moreover, these lidars can all be illuminated for a range of specific purposes, such as signalling pedestrians.

In January, BYTON revealed an electric SUV, which has been named the BYTON M-Byte Concept.

“Following from our first model, the BYTON M-Byte Concept, the K-Byte Concept represents a breakthrough in the design of smart connected vehicles. It changes the design language of traditional cars, delivering a perfect blend of elegance, style, luxury, and sportiness, and introducing new design aesthetics in the age of shared mobility and autonomous driving,” said BYTON CEO and co-founder Dr. Carsten Breitfeld.

BYTON president and co-founder Dr. Daniel Kirchert added: “BYTON’s mission is to be a leader in next-generation smart devices. The K-Byte Concept shows that we can deliver our platform in different shapes and with different features to suit different lifestyles. Furthermore, building the car on the same platform as the M-Byte Concept enables us to streamline and scale the production cycle. We are fully confident that we will meet our commitment to deliver the sedan to market in 2021.”